The Englishman’s satisfaction this morning was so great that he also bestowed upon Kāra one of his choicest cigars, and again the Egyptian tasted a luxury hitherto unknown to him.
While they were quietly enjoying their smoke Winston said:
“Will you sell me the rolls?”
“Yes,” replied Kāra.
“I will give you a thousand Egyptian pounds for them. That, you know, is about a hundred thousand piastres.”
Kāra made a mental calculation and frowned darkly.
“Perhaps it is not enough,” added Winston, quickly; “but on the other hand it may be too much altogether. Until I have examined the writings with more care I cannot value them accurately.”
“I will accept your offer,” said the Egyptian, still frowning. “I am sure it is fair, and even liberal. What annoys me is that I have made a fool of myself.”
“In what way?”
“I purchased a girl yesterday, and paid three times what she is worth.”